Duncan (Uni) Knot Tying

With the end pulled through the eye, form a loop beside the standing end. Working inside the loop, wrap the end around the standing end five times. Lubricate and pull the knot tight. Slide the knot down against the eye. Trim the end.

Duncan (Uni) Knot Details

Names: The Duncan Knot is named after its inventor Norman Duncan and is also known as the "Grinner Knot". It was also popularized under the name Uni Knot by Vic Dunaway as a versatile knot which can be adapted to many purposes including snelling; joining two lines; and connecting hooks, swivels and lures with a loop. It is described as being the same as the Hangman's Noose. Although the two knots are tied differently, the Duncan (Uni) undergoes a transformation as it is tightened. The outer wraps become internal and the resulting knot is the Hangman's Noose.

Versatile: As described by Vic Dunaway it is the key component of the Uni Knot System - intended to provide all of the required fishing knots with a single knot.

Tying it: The animation shows the version tied to an eye (the Duncan Knot). It can either be left as an open loop or it can be snugged down against the hook. When used for joining two lines (the Uni Knot), each knot is tied round the other standing end.

Advantages: It is fairly easy to tie in the dark with practice. Claims that it retains a high proportion of line strength have been disputed. When tied round a large diameter eye, it may retain strength well, but if used to join two lines, like other knots where a line passes round itself, a breaking strain of 50% of ideal performance is more likely. It works well with both braided and monofilament fishing lines.

Disclaimer: Any activity that involves ropes is potentially hazardous. Lives may be at risk - possibly your own. Considerable attention and effort have been made to ensure that these descriptions are accurate. However, many critical factors cannot be controlled, including: the choice of materials; the age, size, and condition of ropes; and the accuracy with which these descriptions have been followed. No responsibility is accepted for incidents arising from the use of this material.